scarlet letter symbols
Nathaniel Hawthorne is one of the most prolific symbolists in American literature. In literature a symbol is most often a concrete object used to represent an idea more abstract and broader in scope and meaning. In the Scarlet Letter Hawthorne has many of these symbols but in order to understand his novel the scarlet letter A, light and darkness, and the settings of the novel must be analyzed with the purpose of relating them to the novel's major themes. The scarlet letter A is one of the most obvious symbols, but it has various meanings throughout the book depending on its context. All through the book the letter symbolizes adultery, penance, and penitence. Hester, who wears the letter A, goes through suffering and loneliness and also is rejuvenated. It appears throughout the book first in the preface as a material object, then it becomes an elaborately embroidered A which Hester wears. It also appears in the armor breast-place at Governor Bellingham's mansion. These letter A's in these part's of the book show that Hester is hidden by this enormous, exaggerated symbol as her life and feelings are hidden behind the sign of her sin. Later in the book the letter A appears in the sky as a vast red letter, also as a green A of eelg
The book takes place in many different settings, and the setting themselves are symbolic, which range from the Puritan village to the forest. This shows Hawthorne's theme of personal identity and society. This shows that she wishes to serve her penance. This is Hawthorne's theme of human condition of the good and evil in life. Hester is ostracized by the community, but yet they still are able to change their minds. The forest is a natural world which is governed by natural laws, which is opposite of the Puritan community with its man-made laws. However, it does shine on her when she let's down her hair, finally letting nature see her beauty. With Hawthorne's ability to show these themes throughout the novel and change them with context, he is able to create a story which is considered his masterpiece and an unequaled example of the romance novel. In this scene the community members wear gray hats and the darkness of the jail is calmed by the sunshine of the outside. In all of these examples, the meaning depends on both the context and sometimes even the interpreter. It can also be seen in the first chapter from the description of the jail. The forest is also able to symbolize a place in which witches gather, and souls are signed away to the devil. When it is noon Dimmesdale makes his confession, thus the daylight symbolizes exposure. While nighttime is the symbol of concealment, especially with Dimmesdale. In the book Chillingworth is always associated with darkness.
Common topics in this essay:
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letter light,
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